Brazilian butt lift (BBL)

Last updated: 24 September 2026. General information; it does not replace a medical consultation.

What is a Brazilian butt lift (BBL)?

A Brazilian butt lift (BBL) is a fat-transfer procedure: fat is removed by liposuction from areas such as the abdomen or flanks, purified and injected into the buttocks to change their shape and volume. It does not use implants. Because of rare but serious risks, safe injection technique and an experienced surgical team are essential.

How is a BBL performed?

1. Fat is harvested with liposuction from donor areas agreed in the plan.
2. The fat is processed to separate usable fat cells.
3. The fat is injected into the buttocks. Current safety guidance says fat should be placed only in the layer under the skin (subcutaneous), not into the muscle; some teams use ultrasound to guide the cannula.
4. Compression garments are applied and you receive written aftercare instructions.

Why does safety matter so much with BBL?

If fat enters large veins deep in the buttock muscle, it can travel to the lungs (fat embolism), which can be life-threatening. Professional societies therefore recommend injecting only above the muscle. Ask the surgeon directly how they keep the injection in the subcutaneous layer, whether ultrasound guidance is used, and where the operation takes place.

Who may be a good candidate?

• adults in good health, close to a stable weight;
• people with enough fat in donor areas to transfer;
• non-smokers, or people willing to stop before and after surgery;
• people who understand that part of the transferred fat is reabsorbed and results vary.

Who may not be suitable?

• very slim people without enough donor fat; the surgeon may discuss other options;
• people with blood-clotting disorders, significant heart or lung disease, or uncontrolled medical conditions;
• people planning major weight change, which can alter the result.

BBL or buttock implants?

What is recovery like?

Swelling and bruising are expected in both the donor and the treated areas. Surgeons usually ask patients to avoid sitting directly on the buttocks for a period and to use compression garments; follow your team’s written instructions exactly. The final shape becomes clear over months as swelling settles and some fat is absorbed. Ask when long flights are safe, because sitting for hours raises clot risk.

What are the risks?

• fat embolism, rare but potentially fatal;
• blood clots, infection or fluid collection;
• asymmetry, lumps, oil cysts or fat necrosis;
• contour irregularities in the liposuction areas;
• loss of volume over time as part of the fat is reabsorbed.

What affects the cost of a BBL in Turkey?

The cost depends on the number of liposuction areas, the amount of fat transferred, the hospital stay, garments and what the package includes. There is no single price; ask for a written, itemised plan and safety information before you book.

How does AVAN AESTH help?

AVAN AESTH is a patient coordination service, not a clinic or hospital. We share your information with a licensed provider in Istanbul for an initial assessment, help you ask the right safety questions and organise appointments and travel. The surgical decision and the operation are the surgeon’s responsibility.

Related: liposuction, tummy tuck, Body contouring.

Sources: ASPS – BBL complications and prevention; Cleveland Clinic – Brazilian butt lift.